How Will I Know if I Have Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are much more common than many people assume. According to the National Institutes of Health, one study found that between 80 and 90 percent of African American women and 70 percent of Caucasian women will develop fibroids before the age of 50.

Since uterine fibroids can cause severe symptoms and can even lead to fertility issues, it is important to know the warning signs of fibroid development.

Who is at Risk?

African American women are more likely to develop fibroids and are also more likely to develop several fibroids at a time, but these are not the only factors to consider. You may be at increased risk if you are:

Over 40 years of age

Obese

Have a family history of fibroids

Have never been pregnant

Have high blood pressure

Factors that lower a woman’s risk of developing fibroids include:

Pregnancy

Long-term use of birth control pills or shots

What are the Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids?

Every case is different and some women may never experience symptoms, but there are three common symptoms in women who have uterine fibroids.

Excessive Menstrual Bleeding

The most common symptom for women with fibroid tumors is excessive bleeding while menstruating. Often times, the bleeding is prolonged, causing periods to last longer than normal. This can lead to soiling of clothing and may interfere with everyday activities.

Pelvic Pain & Pressure

Women with fibroids may feel pain in their lower abdomen. As fibroids grow larger, depending on their size and location, they may cause pain by putting pressure on organs. In addition, it could cause swelling that is often mistaken as weight gain or pregnancy.

Loss of Bladder Control

Fibroids can press against the bladder causing frequent urination and even loss of bladder control. Not only can this cause a great deal of pain, but it can also complicate your everyday activities. In addition, fibroid growth can place pressure on the bowel, causing constipation and bloating.

How are Uterine Fibroids Diagnosed?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, schedule an appointment with Denver Fibroids. Uterine fibroids can usually be found during a simple abdominal or pelvic exam. If your doctor suspects that you may have fibroids, an ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis.